Networking

Betsy Woodford

Networking is the process to connect with people; to get to know them well enough to have an idea about the strengths that they can bring to a troop activity. These people could be fellow leaders, parents, or members of the community. Forming a network enables the leader to have a support group and a wealth of information around the troop. It makes the leader's job easier. The goal of networking is to talk with people frequently enough so that you will feel comfortable asking them for information. Asking other leaders where to go camping, talking to a friend about how to handle a problem girl in the troop, asking a member of the community if your troop could come and visit their business are all examples of networking.

Networking is as easy as talking! If you meet a total stranger:

  1. Introduce yourself, and give some small fact that might start a conversation- Hi, I'm Betsy Woodford, I'm a junior leader.
  2. Then ask a question of them- What level troop do you have?
  3. Make small talk about their activities, interests, whatever. Ask lots of questions! I have a junior troop too. What kind of service project did you do last year?
  4. Take notes afterwards! Keep a small notebook in your purse and write down names, on any useful information you have learned.
  5. You have now make a contact. If you ever run into this person again, say hello (reintroduce yourself if necessary), and ask how their doing or how they're troop is. Hi, remember we met at the Service Unit meeting in September? How was that troop activity that you were planning? After a time or two like this, you will probably feel free to call and ask a question. I remember you said you went camping to a place the girls enjoyed, where was that?

 

Networking can help you help your troop. By using networking on fellow leaders you can find out important information on how they did activities in the past-you can base your activities on their knowledge. By networking with the parents, you are forming a basis from which you can ask for their help or expertise at meetings. By networking with members of the community you are adding program experts to your troop.

Networking is an important way to get tasks done through the knowledge of others and can make leaders' jobs much easier.